The first week of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has produced one of the most spectacular opening rounds in the tournament’s history, with Lionel Messi scoring the first hat trick of his World Cup career, Harry Kane netting a brace for England, Erling Haaland scoring twice for Norway, and Kylian Mbappe matching Haaland with two goals of his own. After 23 games and 71 goals, the tournament is already tracking well ahead of 2022 Qatar’s pace. The extreme heat conditions at multiple US venues have added drama off the pitch, with FIFA mandating hydration breaks for the first time in World Cup history — but the goals have kept coming regardless.
Messi Makes World Cup History
The headline moment of the opening week was Lionel Messi’s hat trick in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria, the first hat trick of his World Cup career across six appearances. According to Al Jazeera, the three goals drew Messi level with former Germany striker Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals all-time, making him the joint-highest scorer in World Cup history. He became the first player to appear in six different men’s World Cups and the oldest player to score a World Cup hat trick.
Messi, who carried Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title in Qatar in what many considered his greatest-ever performance, enters the 2026 tournament as the defending champion’s talisman. As one of the three highest-paid athletes in the world in 2026, his commercial and on-field significance to the tournament cannot be overstated. His hat trick in the opener ensures Argentina are once again the tournament’s central storyline.
Kane, Haaland and Mbappe Join the Party
| Player | Team | Goals in Opener | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | Argentina | 3 (hat trick) | Algeria | 3-0 Win |
| Harry Kane | England | 2 | Croatia | 4-2 Win |
| Erling Haaland | Norway | 2 | Iraq | 4-1 Win |
| Kylian Mbappe | France | 2 | Senegal | 3-1 Win |
Harry Kane’s brace against Croatia in England’s 4-2 opening victory in Dallas keeps him in the Golden Boot race from the start. Erling Haaland scored twice for Norway in a dominant 4-1 win over Iraq, confirming that the Norwegian striker’s extraordinary club scoring record translates to international football. Kylian Mbappe, who is fourth on the all-time World Cup scoring list with 14 goals, scored twice for France in a 3-1 win over Senegal, moving him within two goals of the top scorer bracket.
Colombia and Norway as Dark Horses
Among the early standout teams beyond the traditional superpowers, Colombia delivered an impressive opener and leads Group K after Portugal’s unexpected draw against DR Congo. Luis Diaz, a key performer for Liverpool, was central to Colombia’s win with a goal and an assist. Norway’s 4-1 dismantling of Iraq, built around Haaland’s brace, positions them as a genuine dark horse in a tournament where the expanded 48-team format provides more paths to the later rounds. The heat risk at US venues has not slowed the goals: fitness and hydration management will become a bigger factor as the tournament progresses through July.
The 48-Team Format Effect
The 2026 World Cup is the first to use a 48-team format, up from 32 teams in previous editions. The expanded format means more matches, more group stage surprises, and more paths to the knockout rounds for smaller nations. Early results suggest the expanded format is delivering competitive matches: the 23-game opening sequence has produced 71 goals, an average of 3.09 per game, which is higher than the 2022 Qatar average.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Messi score a hat trick at the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. Lionel Messi scored his first career World Cup hat trick in Argentina’s 3-0 opening victory over Algeria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The three goals drew Messi level with Germany’s Miroslav Klose as the all-time leading World Cup scorer with 16 goals. Messi became the first player to appear in six different men’s World Cups and the oldest player to score a World Cup hat trick.
Who has scored the most goals in the 2026 World Cup opening week?
Lionel Messi leads with 3 goals (hat trick vs Algeria) after the opening round. Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappe each scored 2 goals in their team’s opening matches. Kane scored for England in their 4-2 win over Croatia. Haaland scored for Norway in their 4-1 win over Iraq. Mbappe scored for France in their 3-1 win over Senegal.
Who are the favorites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Argentina, as the defending champion led by hat-trick scorer Lionel Messi, are among the top favorites. France, with Kylian Mbappe and a talented squad, are consistent contenders. England, after their 4-2 opening win over Croatia under Thomas Tuchel, have the attacking quality to threaten any opponent. Brazil, Spain, and Germany are traditional heavyweights in the expanded 48-team tournament. Dark horses include Norway (Haaland) and Colombia (Luis Diaz).
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